Deal Close: Eric Ten Hag is NOT HAPPY that Arsenal is in the final details to sign world-class player that may feature against Manchester United on Sunday

Deal Close: Eric Ten Hag is NOT HAPPY that Arsenal is in the final details to sign world-class player that may feature against Manchester United on Sunday

Arsenal transfer news: Edu identifies shock £30m target for deadline day as £34m deal confirmed
The General Coordinator of the Brazilian national football team, Edu Gaspar, attends a press conference at Granja Comary Training Center for the first phase of preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia on May 21, 2018 in Teresopolis, Brazil.
Edu Gaspar could make a late move to
sign a new defender for Arsenal

New defensive target for Arsenal

Arsenal have less than 48 hours to bring in any additional players before the summer transfer window slams shut.

The injury to Jurrien Timber has left Mikel Arteta’s side slightly short at the back, especially when you consider Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko both have endured numerous fitness issues in the past.

Barcelona’s Eric Garcia has been linked with a loan move to the Emirates Stadium in recent times as a potential stop-gap whilst Timber is injured. However, another name that has now been mooted as a potential target for the Gunners is Benfica fullback Alexander Bah.

According to Danish outlet Tipsbladet, a number of Premier League sides, including Arsenal, are interested in the 25-year-old, who is said to be valued by the Portuguese giants at around €30million-€35million (£26million-£30million).

READ MORE:Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Double announcement, Emile Smith Rowe boost, Ansu Fati chance

Balogun exit confirmed

AS Monaco have confirmed the signing of Folarin Balogun from Arsenal in a deal worth €40million (£34million) with a 17.5% sell on clause, football.london understands.

Interest in the 22-year-old has been high all summer with Internazionale, Chelsea, Fulham, West Ham United as well as teams in Germany said to be keen on his services. Although it’s the French club, after seeing an opening offer rejected earlier in the month, who have won the race for his signature.

A statement via Arsenal.com reads: “Folarin Balogun has joined Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in a permanent transfer. The 22-year-old forward joined us at the age of ten and developed through our Academy, enjoying success in all age categories in youth football, signing his first professional contract with us in February 2019.

“We thank Folarin for his contribution to Arsenal, through our Academy into the first team, and wish him the best of health and happiness in his new chapter at AS Monaco. The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”

Smith Rowe approach

Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe could still seal a permanent transfer out of Emirates Stadium despite Chelsea’s interest dissipating.

football.london understands Chelsea have finalised a move for Cole Palmer which likely means they will not pursue a move for Smith Rowe, however both Newcastle and Aston Villa are interested in securing a loan deal, as per 90min.

Given his place in the squad an ‘above market offer’ for a permanent deal could be accepted, as per a report by the Mail. While Chelsea appeared unprepared to do that another club that certainly has the funds could sign Smith Rowe with an official proposal already being submitted.

According to former football agent Jimmy McCann, Brighton are interested and have already submitted a proposal between £30million-£42million to sign Smith Rowe. It is also noted that there are ‘real legs’ to the deal with the Seagulls ‘very keen’ to get it done.